First Lady Sajidha Mohamed has said that good health is the foundation upon which education, social progress and economic resilience are built.
She made the remarks while officially opening the Third International Joint Conference for Healthcare Professionals 2026, held at CROSSROADS Maldives from July 7 to 9.
This year’s conference is being held under the theme, “Evidence, Empowerment and Education: Leading the Future of Healthcare for Sustainable Impact.”
Addressing healthcare professionals, researchers, academics and international delegates, the First Lady welcomed participants from around the world and said their presence reflected a shared commitment to advancing healthcare through knowledge, collaboration and innovation.
She said healthcare is ultimately centred on people, noting that behind every scientific breakthrough is a patient whose life can be improved. She stressed that a nation’s strength should not only be measured by economic growth or technological progress, but by how well it cares for its people.
Highlighting rapid changes in healthcare, the First Lady pointed to the growing role of artificial intelligence, digital technology, genomics, robotics and predictive analytics. However, she said compassion must remain irreplaceable, adding that no algorithm or machine can replace human empathy or the reassurance offered to patients and families in difficult moments.
She also emphasized the importance of resilient healthcare systems for small island developing states such as the Maldives. Climate change, emerging diseases, demographic shifts and geographical challenges, she said, require innovative and evidence-based solutions.
The First Lady reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the health sector through human resource development, modern infrastructure, digital transformation, specialised services and international partnerships.
She also praised the role of nurses, describing them as the professionals closest to patients throughout every stage of care. She thanked nurses in the Maldives and around the world for their dedication and compassion.
The First Lady further noted the importance of women’s leadership in healthcare, saying that supporting women in frontline and leadership roles helps build stronger, more inclusive and responsive health systems.
Concluding her remarks, she expressed hope that the conference would inspire new ideas, strengthen professional networks and support shared goals for the future of healthcare.
Following her address, the First Lady officially opened IJCHP 2026. She was also presented with a commemorative plaque by conference co-chair and Associate Professor Fathimath Shifaza.
